The Legacy of Community Collectivism in Post-Slavery Education: Reclaiming All-Black Learning Spaces for Identity and Healing

This presentation explores the challenges of completing a college degree as a Black student in the United States through a personal and intergenerational lens. Drawing from family interviews and research, Yeefah Thurman identifies key factors that support educational success, including all-Black communal spaces, body-based practices, mentorship from Black educators, and autonomy in learning. The talk connects these insights to trauma-informed approaches that support resilience, belonging, and academic persistence.